The following list is a collection of rowing terminology and slang... the list is potentially endless, so please add to it!
Tip: To enrich your interaction and understanding of these terms, try entering them into VisuWords (http://www.visuwords.com/) for a graphical representation of the definitions, synonyms, and related terms. Wikipedia links have also been included for those wanting further information.
Eight (VIII) – The big ones! These are a lot of people’s favourite boats because they go the fastest. 8 rowers sitting in a row, and a cox up the back facing you all.
Coxwain (cox) – Steering person. Due to the fact that you face the opposite way to which the boat travels, you need someone to face the right way and steer for you! During the early weeks of the season you will all get a chance to be a cox so you can learn how (it’s really easy). You also learn a surprising amount about rowing by sitting in the cox seat and watching others row.
Oar – the big fibreglass/wood pole that you are pulling on to make the boat move.
Blade – the scoop part on the end of the oar that looks a bit like a meat cleaver.
Piece – a burst of rowing used in training, eg. Rowing 500m at full speed, or doing “2 minute pieces” (rowing for 2 minutes at race speed, then dropping back down to an easy pace to rest up ready for the next 2 minute burst).
“Easy oar” – a term used by cox/coach to tell you to stop rowing at the end of a piece or technique drill.
Ergo – rowing machine. These are great for cardio fitness and with regular sessions on these you will notice a huge improvement in your boat speed and the work will also feel easier as you get fitter.
Slide – the rails under your seat in the boat.
Zoot Suit or "Zootie" – the one-piece lycra outfit/uniform you have probably seen rowers wearing. These outfits are far from flattering on ANYONE, but perfect for rowing because they don’t get caught in anything (baggy/loose clothes have a tendency to get snagged in the slide or on your oar). If you plan to race the whole season you will need to buy a UWA zootie at some stage, but you can decide that later.
“Catch a crab” – Messing up a stroke and getting your oar caught in the water. Eg. “Whoops, sorry guys, I caught a crab!” This happens to everyone, don’t stress!
Rating/stroke rate – the pace at which you take your strokes, measured in strokes per minute. Rowing in a crew hinges on staying in time with each other and keeping a nice regular stroke rate.
Sweep – a style of rowing where you have one oar per person.
Sculling – this is a style of rowing where you have two oars per person, one in each hand.
Stroke side – the right hand side of the boat when you are sitting in a rowing position (referred to as Port side in the US and some other countries).
Bow side– the left hand side of the boat when you are sitting in a rowing position (referred to as Starboard side in the US and some other countries).
Stroke seat - the seat or rower closest to the stern of the boat. They sit at the 'front' of the crew (relative to the direction the rowers are facing) . Bow Seat- the seat or rower closest to the bow of the boat. They sit at the 'back' of the crew (relative to the direction the rowers are facing).
Wikipedia contains a comprehensive glossary of rowing terms, however this can be difficult to navigate through because of the different terms used in different countries. If you feel something should be defined here, use a combination of your knowledge and Wikipedia's definition to come up with a definition in layman terms, and post it up here!
Terminology
The following list is a collection of rowing terminology and slang... the list is potentially endless, so please add to it!
Tip: To enrich your interaction and understanding of these terms, try entering them into VisuWords (http://www.visuwords.com/) for a graphical representation of the definitions, synonyms, and related terms. Wikipedia links have also been included for those wanting further information.
Eight (VIII) – The big ones! These are a lot of people’s favourite boats because they go the fastest. 8 rowers sitting in a row, and a cox up the back facing you all.
Coxwain (cox) – Steering person. Due to the fact that you face the opposite way to which the boat travels, you need someone to face the right way and steer for you! During the early weeks of the season you will all get a chance to be a cox so you can learn how (it’s really easy). You also learn a surprising amount about rowing by sitting in the cox seat and watching others row.
Oar – the big fibreglass/wood pole that you are pulling on to make the boat move.
Blade – the scoop part on the end of the oar that looks a bit like a meat cleaver.
Piece – a burst of rowing used in training, eg. Rowing 500m at full speed, or doing “2 minute pieces” (rowing for 2 minutes at race speed, then dropping back down to an easy pace to rest up ready for the next 2 minute burst).
“Easy oar” – a term used by cox/coach to tell you to stop rowing at the end of a piece or technique drill.
Ergo – rowing machine. These are great for cardio fitness and with regular sessions on these you will notice a huge improvement in your boat speed and the work will also feel easier as you get fitter.
Slide – the rails under your seat in the boat.
Zoot Suit or "Zootie" – the one-piece lycra outfit/uniform you have probably seen rowers wearing. These outfits are far from flattering on ANYONE, but perfect for rowing because they don’t get caught in anything (baggy/loose clothes have a tendency to get snagged in the slide or on your oar). If you plan to race the whole season you will need to buy a UWA zootie at some stage, but you can decide that later.
“Catch a crab” – Messing up a stroke and getting your oar caught in the water. Eg. “Whoops, sorry guys, I caught a crab!” This happens to everyone, don’t stress!
Rating/stroke rate – the pace at which you take your strokes, measured in strokes per minute. Rowing in a crew hinges on staying in time with each other and keeping a nice regular stroke rate.
Sweep – a style of rowing where you have one oar per person.
Sculling – this is a style of rowing where you have two oars per person, one in each hand.
Stroke side – the right hand side of the boat when you are sitting in a rowing position (referred to as Port side in the US and some other countries).
Bow side– the left hand side of the boat when you are sitting in a rowing position (referred to as Starboard side in the US and some other countries).
Stroke seat - the seat or rower closest to the stern of the boat. They sit at the 'front' of the crew (relative to the direction the rowers are facing) .
Bow Seat- the seat or rower closest to the bow of the boat. They sit at the 'back' of the crew (relative to the direction the rowers are facing).
Wikipedia contains a comprehensive glossary of rowing terms, however this can be difficult to navigate through because of the different terms used in different countries. If you feel something should be defined here, use a combination of your knowledge and Wikipedia's definition to come up with a definition in layman terms, and post it up here!